Prospect Talent Score

Probability of Success

History

2008-09: In 48 games with the Green Bay Gamblers (USHL), Chris Crane scored 10 goals and added 9 assists. He picked up 120 penalty minutes to go along with his +17 rating. In the playoffs, Crane scored 3 points in 5 games.

2009-10: Crane’s second season for the USHL Green Bay Gamblers, where he posted 15 goals and 14 assists in 52 games. He also managed 107 penalty minutes. He was drafted 7th round, 200th overall in 2010 Entry Draft.

2010-11: Crane skated in all 37 games for Ohio State as a freshman. He scored 4 goals with 6 assists and was -2 with 37 PMs. Two of his four goals were scored on the power play. Ohio State finished a disappointing ninth in the 11-team CCHA.

2011-12: Crane really improved his offensive game this season at Ohio State University when the sophomore winger scored 14 goals along with 10 assists and a minus three rating in 35 NCAA games. He led the Buckeyes team with the most points, goals, power play goals (six) while scoring two game winning goals and providing leadership when needed this year.

2012-13: Crane signed a two-year entry-level contract with San Jose in April 2013 following his junior season at Ohio State. He made his pro hockey debut with the Sharks’ AHL affiliate in Worcester and had no points and was -1 with 6 penalty minutes in eight AHL games. Worcester missed the playoffs after finishing fourth in the Atlantic Division. Crane scored 6 goals with 3 assists in 38 games for Ohio State and was -8 with 69 penalty minutes. The Buckeyes finished fourth in the CCHA and reached the conference tournament semifinals; falling to Notre Dame, 3-1.

Talent Analysis

Chris Crane is a physical forward who will not shy away from the rough stuff in front of the net. His offensive skill set has taken a dive as he has been more focused on developing his body of work away from the puck. He plays the boards well and has a work ethic that coaches love. The player will not likely make the NHL unless he corrects some of the glaring holes in his game such as his skating and lack of offense.

Future

After playing eight AHL games last season, Crane will look to continue his professional career in Worcester. While he will be given a chance to make the AHL team, he will have to win a spot out of training camp or face a long season of healthy scratching.

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